Numbers 7:14

KJV

One spoon of ten [shekels] of gold, full of incense:

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} spoon {H3709} of ten {H6235} shekels of gold {H2091}, full {H4392} of incense {H7004}:

Complete Jewish Bible

one gold pan of ten shekels [one-quarter pound], full of incense;

Berean Standard Bible

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

American Standard Version

one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:14 describes a specific component of the dedication offering brought by the leaders of the tribes of Israel for the newly consecrated Tabernacle: "One spoon of ten [shekels] of gold, full of incense." This verse, part of a detailed account of identical offerings presented over twelve days, highlights the meticulous nature of worship required by God, emphasizing the preciousness of the materials and the symbolic significance of the incense as a representation of prayer and devotion ascending to the divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 records the elaborate and highly significant offerings brought by the "princes" or leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Following its construction and anointing, as detailed in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed and Consecrated"), this chapter marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, signifying the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people. Each tribal leader brought an identical set of offerings over twelve consecutive days, a deliberate act emphasizing unity, corporate worship, and a collective commitment to God's covenant. Numbers 7:14 specifically details a part of the offering from the first day, presented by Nahshon, the prince of the tribe of Judah, setting the precedent for the subsequent eleven days. The repetition of the detailed list for each tribe underscores the importance and precision of these dedicatory acts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, served as the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Its dedication was a momentous occasion, signifying the formal commencement of the Levitical sacrificial system and the structured worship of Yahweh. The offerings described in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Leaders") were not merely gifts but acts of consecration, acknowledging God's sovereignty and holiness. Gold was a precious metal universally associated with royalty, divinity, and purity in the ancient Near East, frequently used in sacred vessels and temple furnishings, as seen in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Furnishings"). Incense, a fragrant blend of spices, was a vital component of Tabernacle worship, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God and creating a sacred atmosphere, as detailed in [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Holy Anointing Oil and Incense"). The specific weight of "ten shekels" further emphasizes the substantial value and intentionality of the offering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoon (Hebrew, _kaph'_):** While often translated as "spoon," the Hebrew word כַּף (_kaph_) more broadly refers to the palm of the hand, and by extension, a hollowed-out vessel or pan, particularly a censer designed to hold and carry incense for burning. This emphasizes its function as a sacred container for a holy element, not merely a utensil for eating.
* **Shekels (Hebrew, _sheqel'_):** The Hebrew שֶׁקֶל (_sheqel_) was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East. Specifying "ten shekels" quantifies the substantial value of the gold, indicating a significant and costly offering rather than a token gift. It underscored the generosity and the preciousness of the material dedicated to God.
* **Incense (Hebrew, _qetoret'_):** The Hebrew קְטֹרֶת (_qetoret_) refers to the fragrant smoke produced by burning a specific mixture of spices, as prescribed by God for Tabernacle rituals. It was a crucial element of daily worship, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God and establishing a sacred, reverent atmosphere in His presence. Its inclusion in the offering highlights the spiritual aspect of devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One spoon":** This refers to a single, specialized vessel or censer, likely made of gold itself, designed to hold the sacred incense. Its singular nature emphasizes the individual yet unified contribution of each tribal leader.
* **"of ten [shekels] of gold":** This phrase quantifies the value and preciousness of the material. Gold, being the most valuable metal, signifies the highest quality and purity offered to God. The specific weight of ten shekels underscores the substantial, costly, and intentional nature of the gift, reflecting the worth placed upon God and His dwelling place.
* **"full of incense":** This indicates the purpose of the golden spoon – to contain the sacred incense. The "full" aspect implies abundance and completeness in the offering. Incense, with its fragrant smoke ascending, powerfully symbolized the prayers, worship, and devotion of the people rising to God, a sweet aroma acceptable in His sight.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "gold" representing purity, divinity, and immense value, reflecting the majesty of God and the preciousness of the offering. The "incense" is a potent symbol of prayer, worship, and devotion ascending to the divine, creating a sacred atmosphere and signifying an acceptable offering. The **metonymy** of "spoon" for "censer" highlights the vessel's function in the ritual. Furthermore, the detailed **repetition** of this exact offering across the twelve days in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Leaders") serves as a rhetorical device emphasizing the unity of the tribes, the meticulousness required in worship, and the consistent generosity expected from God's people. The specificity of the weight ("ten shekels") adds to the sense of precision and the tangible value of the dedication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:14, within the broader context of the Tabernacle dedication, powerfully illustrates the principles of intentional, costly, and symbolic worship. The offering of gold and incense signifies that true devotion to God involves dedicating our most precious resources and heartfelt prayers to Him. It underscores the Old Testament emphasis on approaching a holy God with reverence, purity, and offerings that reflect His supreme worth. This act of dedication foreshadows the ultimate offering and intercession that would perfectly fulfill these types and shadows.

* [Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Prayers of the Saints as Incense")
* [Malachi 1:11](/malachi/1-11 "Malachi 1:11 - Pure Offering of Incense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Tabernacle offerings, including Numbers 7:14, serves as a timeless reminder that our worship of God should be intentional, costly, and deeply meaningful. It's not merely about the material value of what we offer, but the heart behind it – a heart that recognizes God's supreme worth and dedicates its best to Him. The symbolism of incense, representing prayers ascending to God, encourages us to cultivate a vibrant and consistent prayer life, knowing that our petitions are precious to Him. Just as the princes dedicated their finest resources to God's dwelling place, we are called to dedicate our lives, talents, and material possessions for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This verse challenges us to consider what "gold" and "incense" we are offering to God today – are we giving Him our purest devotion and our most fervent prayers?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gold" (our most valuable resources, time, talents) are we currently dedicating to God in our lives?**
* **How does the symbolism of incense as prayer encourage or challenge your personal prayer life?**
* **In what ways can we approach God with greater intentionality and reverence in our worship today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "ten shekels" of gold?**

Answer: The "ten shekels" signifies a specific and substantial weight of gold, emphasizing the considerable value and preciousness of the offering. In ancient Israel, a shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency. This precise measurement underscores the meticulous nature of the offerings required for the Tabernacle's dedication, indicating that God values generosity and intentionality in worship, not just token gestures. It highlights that the leaders were giving a significant portion of their wealth to honor God.

**Why was incense so important in Tabernacle worship?**

Answer: Incense was profoundly important in Tabernacle worship because it symbolized the prayers of the saints ascending to God, as seen in [Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense"). It was a divinely prescribed, fragrant mixture that created a sacred atmosphere in the presence of God. Its rising smoke represented the spiritual devotion and intercession of the people, making their worship acceptable and pleasing to the Lord. The burning of incense was a daily ritual, signifying continuous communion and reverence before a holy God, as detailed in [Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7 "Exodus 30:7-8 - The Altar of Incense").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:14, with its emphasis on a costly offering of gold and incense for the Tabernacle's dedication, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "gold" points to Christ's divine nature, His kingship, and His inherent purity as the Son of God, who is infinitely more precious than any earthly metal. He is the true and perfect "Tabernacle" or dwelling place of God among humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The "incense," symbolizing ascending prayers and an acceptable offering, is perfectly embodied in Christ. He is not only the object of all acceptable prayer but also our great High Priest, who continually intercedes for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Moreover, Christ Himself is the ultimate, perfect, and infinitely costly offering, whose sacrifice on the cross was the "sweet-smelling aroma" that fully satisfied God's righteous demands for sin ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Thus, the dedication of the earthly Tabernacle with precious gifts foreshadows the dedication of a new and living way to God through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and eternal intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 24:14

And when they had finished [it], they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the LORD, [even] vessels to minister, and to offer [withal], and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.

Numbers 4:7

And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

2 Chronicles 4:22

And the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers, [of] pure gold: and the entry of the house, the inner doors thereof for the most holy [place], and the doors of the house of the temple, [were of] gold.

2 Kings 25:14

And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

2 Kings 25:15

And the firepans, and the bowls, [and] such things as [were] of gold, [in] gold, and of silver, [in] silver, the captain of the guard took away.

Exodus 30:34

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; [these] sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like [weight]:

Exodus 30:38

Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.